Today we’d like to introduce you to Cornelia Siem.
Hi Cornelia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After a number of years in corporate America, I knew that if I kept climbing the corporate ladder I would ultimately look back at my professional life with regret. I wanted to create something of my own, and I felt that having control over my own destiny (and responsibility for my livelihood) would motivate me to work hard and succeed. So, I struck out on my own as a real estate professional. I took a risk, and I’m glad I did, because now, as a real estate professional, I engage in meaningful client relationships every day, and I get to forge my own path and decide how far I want to go down that path.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a career in any entrepreneurial field is like stepping into the unknown, so having a trusted mentor to guide you through the early stages is invaluable. Mentors can share what has worked for them versus what was a waste of time — insights that can only come from years of experience. My mentor, Christine Baker, deserves huge recognition in my story and early success. Christine has been a source of knowledge and encouragement for me, and it’s a two-way street: we lift each other up and help each other’s businesses grow, and it is a pleasure working alongside her. As I move forward in my career, I hope to “pay it forward” and fill the mentor role for the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I help everyone from first-time homebuyers to experienced real estate investors find properties that, of course, satisfy their requirements in terms of price, location, space, etc., but also get them excited about making a little piece of this city their own. San Diego has so many great neighborhoods with different qualities, topographies, etc., and having knowledge about each neighborhood’s quirks, advantages/disadvantages, inventory, pricing, new construction, and other issues affecting ownership is a huge part of what I do – and it’s probably what I love most about my job. I pride myself on being candid with my clients if I think they won’t be happy with a particular property or neighborhood in the long term, even if that means our search takes longer. It’s one of the ways I build trust and rapport with my clients.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
As a real estate advisor, it’s my responsibility to build trusting relationships with my clients, understand their goals, and help them achieve those goals, all while delivering exceptional customer service. One of the ways that I establish trust and rapport with my clients is through active listening. Active listening means focusing on what someone is saying, rather than thinking about how to respond as soon as they stop talking. It means actually hearing someone, understanding their meaning, and retaining that information. I practice active listening because it makes my clients feel heard and secure, and it allows me to understand their wants and help them identify and reach their goals more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Email: cornelia@willisallen.com
- Website: https://corneliasiem.willisallen.com/
- Instagram: @cornelialsiem
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorneliaLSiem
